Graduates of League

25 June 2014

The Newcastle Knights today launched the Graduates of League program with
the University of Newcastle (UON).

Following the release of an education agreement with Hunter TAFE in early
2014, the partnership with the University now provides players with a system of
support for vocational learning through to higher education.

"As an Elite Athlete Friendly University, UON has a proven track record
of supporting athletes to excel both academically and in their chosen sport. Former
Newcastle Knights players including CEO Matt Gidley and Mark Sargeant are
graduates of UON," said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Andrew
Parfitt.

"Currently we have 11 Newcastle Knights players representing all three
leagues (National Rugby League, National Youth Competition and S.G. Ball Cup) active in programs at UON
including Robbie Rochow and Alex McKinnon."

"We are delighted to partner with the Newcastle Knights in this important
investment in their players future."

Knights players study across several disciplines at UON including Physiotherapy,
Civil Engineering and Construction Management.

"We are pleased to be joining with the University of Newcastle and
implementing the Graduates of League program," said CEO Matt Gidley said.

"We have arrangements with Hunter Sports High School and Hunter
TAFE, so announcing our formal arrangement with the University completes our
Club's holistic approach to education."

The Graduates of League (GOL) Program was established at the University
of Wollongong (UOW) in 2012 to increase university entry, retention and
completion rates of elite athletes and professional sports people.

Since 2012 the program has been implemented into 16 academic institutions
including Griffith University, University of Canberra, James Cook University,
Auckland University of Technology as well as the University of Newcastle

"Since 2008 we have tripled academic enrolments for Rugby League players
with more than 220 players," NRL Education and Welfare Manager, Paul
Heptonstall said.

"Seventy five of these players are currently playing in the NRL, while
145 or 25 per cent of the players in the NYC are attempting a degree program."

The GOL program is specifically aimed at providing additional peer
tuition for these players to ensure they can meet the demands of choosing their
professional Rugby League aspirations at the same time as achieving a
University qualification.